Take-Along a Swatch Sheet

In case you’re someone who likes to take a guide along while shopping, here’s a downloadable Swatch Sheet that you can take with your to the fabric store. Note: Colors may not exactly match to Pantone or between your computer screen and the print out, due differences in color calibration of your computer and/or printer.

It’s Fashion Week in New York and to kick it off Pantone has revealed the color palette for Spring 2012.Pantone invites us to Dance Into Spring with the Spring 2012 Fashion Color Forecast.

Pantone’s Spring 2012 Fashion Color Forecast reminds us that spring is a time of renewed energy, optimism and a promise of a brighter day. And color can help alter or sway a mood. This coming spring is a colorful palette of vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

Pantone Spring 2012 Color Palette for Women

Pantone usually leads with the color palette for women. For a larger view of the palette, just click on the graphic.

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac andCockatoo for a subtle alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

— Pantone Spring 2012 Color Palette Press Release

Pantone Men’s Spring 2012 Color Palette

Pantone’s Men’s Spring 2012 Color Palette is similar to the Women’s Color Palette, but a bit more “braver” and “bolder.”

Vintage Khaki, a timeless yet quintessential classic, is best paired with Granita, a full-bodied and robust deep red.

Breezy Tradewinds creates the perfect combination for spring with Dazzling Blue and Grass Green. This sporty yet classic golf green is sure to be a hit in active sportswear.”

Re-do It Design includes some interested interpretations to the color palettes when thinking in a color story. They look at it from a home decor view, but still very much applicable whether your considering your Spring 2012 wardrobe or making over your home.

Spring 2012 Fashion Color Palette Report

Download Pantone’s Color Report in .PDF with the designers’ influences and inspirations. The Pantone Color Report is filled with designer “must-have’s” and inspirational drawings. This year, Pantone also asked the designers what colorful item defined their style as a child. Fun and interesting to read what fashion design icons such as Betsey Johnson, Tommy Hilfiger, Caren Marc Valvo, Tracy Reese and others said.

Here’s a re-cap of the Spring 2012 Women’s and Men’s colors. What colors will you be using?